 |
|
|
|
 |
|
||
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
 |
|
||
The purpose of this community-based research initiative (CBRI) is to inaugurate a series of applied research projects, under the sponsorship of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northeastern University, that focus on Boston, its metropolitan area, and the state of Massachusetts. Teams of senior-level students will be assembled to carry out research under faculty supervision, and projects are to be defined in partnership with local civic, public affairs, and social service groups. Our interest lies with issues that have sparked significant community concern, especially those that present a "window of opportunity" for change. We are also eager to work with organizations lacking the kind of empirical research data on population needs and service barriers that could advance planning for better programs and policies.
This web site is meant to serve as a vehicle for structuring CBRI activities. It describes the concept of community-based research, introduces our project staff, offers potential community partners the means for proposing a research project to us, and invites Northeastern students to become acquainted and involved with the initiative. Also available on this site is information about current and completed projects and our published reports.
The idea of community-based research fits well with Northeastern University's
mission to provide practice-oriented education that is built on strong
relationships with local institutions and organizations. It also serves
as a vital expression of the university's commitment to public service
by contributing intellectual resources to the tasks of urban renewal and
social reform. Research in the community differs fundamentally from research
in a library or laboratory setting for, to be relevant and useful, it
depends on input from diverse sources. In this endeavor, faculty and students
turn to community members as collaborators whose experience and expertise
are critical for identifying needs, methods, and audiences within the
research process.